Karen Bird|Associate Professor, McMaster University

"I think that Canadians would generally agree that the significant gender imbalance in parliament today is in stark contrast with our achievements towards gender equity in other fields. What is not working in the Canadian political sphere has less to do with gender differences in talent and career aspirations, and everything to do with the electoral rules and institutions that apply in the political system. Bill C-237 – the Candidate Gender Equity Act – is a creative measure that introduces minimal intrusion upon parties’ prerogative to choose their best candidates, while ensuring that the nomination and election process is more open and fair to women. Compared to many other countries that have introduced strict gender quotas, this is an incremental approach that encourages – with modest financial penalties – parties to monitor and assure gender equality in their internal candidate selection processes."